HOBART INSTITUTE HOSTS STUDENT NIGHT

The March 9, 2004 meeting of the Dayton Section of the American Welding Society was the annual Student Night, “Careers in Welding,” that was hosted by the Hobart Institute of Welding Technology (HIWT) in Troy, Ohio.  Over 200 students from various vocational schools as well as from HIWT, welding instructors, parents, and AWS members were in attendance. 

Chris Anderson of Motoman, Inc., AWS Section Chairman, served as emcee and focused his comments on the student memberships and scholarships related to the American Welding Society.   He commented on AWS’ national drive to improve the image of welding.  This included how the AWS study on the economic impact of welding predicted a shortage of skilled welders in the near future.  Chris then introduced Andre Odermatt, President of the Hobart Institute, who welcomed the audience to Hobart.

Following his comments, Steve Houston, Director of Training Materials Development at Hobart Institute, gave a brief overview of the Institute.  Marty Baker, Manager of Internet and Library Services and Editor of The World of Welding, explained a high school welded art competition, that was open to high school students, including a mention of awards for the competition sponsored by Hobart Welders and the Dayton Section of the AWS. 

Sam Hart of Norcold, Inc., AWS Education Committee Chairman for the Dayton Section and a student in the Welding Technology department at Edison Community College, provided details of that program and encouraged students to look beyond basic skill training to further their opportunities in welding.  The Edison program is designed to produce welding technicians and technologists.  An articulation agreement between Edison and Hobart Institute allows students to obtain partial credit for their hands-on welding training when pursuing an associate degree.

Sam personalized this message to the students as he related his own career.  Starting as a factory worker, he took on the job training to become a TIG welder at Norcold.  Wanting to further his opportunities, Sam was awarded a scholarship from the AWS Dayton Section and enrolled in night classes at Edison. 

Chris Anderson then introduced Steve Barhorst of Hobart Brothers Company.  Steve related his own experiences in the welding profession, including his education in Welding Engineering at the Ohio State University followed by his employment path.  Steve encouraged students to pursue welding education, even those who may be struggling with academic classes in high school. 

The next speaker was Zane Michael of Motoman, Inc.  Zane’s career path began at the Hobart Institute, first as a student and later as an instructor, before he became involved in robotics.  Zane has also pursued higher education and is now the Director of Product Development at Motoman, Inc.  Zane encouraged students to work hard and stay in school.  He emphasized the importance of a positive attitude to success at work. 

“If you are serious and persistent about your work, employers will notice and will provide you with opportunities,” says Zane, “even if you are not making straight “A’s” in high school.”

Door prizes for the evening were provided by a variety of vendors to the welding industry.  Grand prizes in the student raffle included: a Hobart Handler power source, a Miller auto-darkening welding helmet, a Lincoln SP135 power source, and a credit for Motoman Robot Training class.  Tours of the Hobart Institute of Welding Technology followed the program.